Maple syrup is not just a yummy glaze you put on your pancakes and waffles, it is a fantastic sweetening component in cocktails too! Perfect for balancing out drinks with fresh citrus in them, such as this maple cinnamon whiskey sour. Maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness to cocktails, imparting a distinct, earthy flavor that complements various spirits. Its viscosity enhances texture, creating a well-balanced and unique drinking experience. Make sure to check out our suggested pairing below!

how to make a maple cinnamon whiskey sour

Notes

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Picking which maple syrup you should use often brings up some confusion for us. What maple syrup grade should you use? What is the difference? These are all questions we had in the past so we thought it would be a good idea to include some information for you here! To save you some time, we like to mix things up for maple syrup, especially some small batch maple syrups, but a good go-to for us is the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Grade A Dark Maple Syrup.

Maple Syrup overview

Quality differences among maple syrups primarily stem from factors like grading, production methods, and flavor profiles. Simply put, there isn’t really a quality difference among the different grades of maple syrup. Grade A maple syrups, which include different amber “levels”, are favored for their lighter color and delicate, nuanced taste, making them ideal for drizzling over pancakes and desserts. This grade is a good choice for cocktails, such as the maple whiskey sour, if you aren’t looking for the maple syrup to take over the cocktail. Grade B syrups, darker and more robust, offer a bold, maple-forward flavor, perfect for baking and marinades. This will give your maple whiskey sour a heavier maple syrup feel.

The different maple syrup grades

Understanding all the different grades of maple syrup was completely new to us. Maple syrup in the United States and Canada is typically graded into several categories, which indicate its color and flavor profile. The exact grading system may vary between the two countries, but here are the common grades:

1. Grade A Light Amber (or Grade A Golden Color/Delicate Taste): This syrup is light in color and has a mild, delicate flavor. It’s often used for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or desserts.
2. Grade A Medium Amber (or Grade A Amber Color/Rich Taste): This syrup has a slightly darker color and a richer, more pronounced maple flavor. It’s versatile and can be used as a topping or in recipes.
3. Grade A Dark Amber (or Grade A Dark Color/Robust Taste): Darker in color with a stronger, more robust maple flavor, this grade is often preferred for cooking and baking. It adds a deeper maple flavor to dishes.
4. Grade B: This syrup is even darker and has a very strong, robust maple flavor. It’s often used in cooking, especially in recipes where the maple flavor needs to be prominent, such as in marinades, glazes, and baked goods.

The grading system is designed to help consumers choose maple syrup based on their flavor preferences and intended culinary use. Ultimately, choosing the right maple syrup depends on personal taste and culinary application. Exploring the diverse range of options allows for a delightful journey through the world of maple syrup flavors and qualities.

suggested pairing for a maple cinnamon whiskey sour

Sandwiches have a soft spot in our hearts and tummies. A good sandwich on some quality bread is hard to beat. You may ask yourself, what is a good fall sandwich? Insert the roasted pumpkin sandwich, a great fall pairing to the maple whiskey sour. Homemade pumpkin mustard combined with a carefully roasted cooking pumpkin, on top of some freshly baked sourdough bread! Yes, please!